Behind The Spotlight Chapter 149
Collin didn't know the specifics regarding Arnold's client's horror TV show. He just knew the premise, it was about two siblings fighting ghosts and monsters while finding their missing dad.
'Sounds like a supernatural plot or something... What, say that again?'
Now that Collin had a clue to set up Jennifer's hosting career, he decided to make a move before others overtook him. His mind filled with urgency.
Right at that moment, Collin told his secretary, Lucia Sarah, that he would meet an agent, and if someone was looking for him, Lucia could contact him. Lucia nodded, her pen tapping on the notepad as Collin grabbed his suit and strode out.
For now, Collin wanted to talk to the agent who handled the director of The Tonight Show with Ray Reno.
He knew the person, they had conversations once in a while, but they were not that close. He recalled their occasional small talk during company parties. It was professional but nothing more.
"My secretary said that you wanted to talk to me. I believe this is about the part-time hosting job on The Tonight Show, but I'm still confused about why you're looking for me. Axel and Lawrence don't have any reason to host a show, unless..."
The old man led Collin to sit down. His name was Matteo, and his office was on the 5th floor, two floors lower than Collin's. The office was smaller, with framed posters of old TV shows and a faint smell of brewed coffee lingering in the air.
Matteo didn't have famous clients, but they had steady careers. One of his actors was starring in an action TV show that had lasted for five seasons, earning quite a decent salary. Another actor starred in a fantasy TV show that had been running for ten seasons. His client director also had a steady job as the director of The Tonight Show with Ray Reno.
In terms of influence and success, Collin had a better status because his clients earned millions. Technically, everyone on his roster was a superstar.
Hence, he got a promotion, had a better office, and a higher salary. Yes, Collin's salary was now $170,000 annually. If he continued like this, ANT might offer him a partnership and stock shares, allowing him to become an executive. A thought that made him smirk, the future looked promising.
"It's about my female client, Jennifer Randon." Collin sat down and spoke directly about his intention. There was no reason to lie about it.
"You mean the host of The Singing Voice? You want her to host The Tonight Show?"
"That's right."
"Collin, Jennifer has a valid status, and she can host the show considering she has experience in hosting, but what about it? What will I get from this deal?"
"As expected, Matteo. You know how to do business." Collin grinned. He came prepared for negotiation. Of course, he knew that convincing another agent would be troublesome.
"Now that Ray Reno is recuperating, someone needs to take the helm and lead the show. If the show receives bad ratings while he's gone, there might be consequences. CBA Network could discontinue the show."
"That could happen, and what about it? Are you saying that your client can save the show while Ray Reno is gone? Collin, you believe too much in your client that it's borderline arrogance. Jennifer is not that guy."
"She is. Why don't we try?" Collin's voice was firm, his conviction unwavering.
"Not going to work. I can't convince my director with that reason."
"How about I guest Lawrence Terrence and my new client, Princess Chantal, on The Tonight Show? Is that enough reason to convince your director?"
"Now we're talking. I've heard about Princess Chantal, you really struck gold." Matteo's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"Thank you."
Matteo thought about it. It was true that The Tonight Show needed an anchor while its iconic host was gone. Guesting Lawrence Terrence and Princess Chantal could easily captivate the audience. He rubbed his chin slowly, imagining the headlines and the boost in viewership.
Lawrence Terrence had a huge fan base, while Princess Chantal was currently topping the Billboard Hot 100, and her music was everywhere. The combination was explosive enough to make any producer salivate.
In exchange for Jennifer becoming a host for a few episodes, this deal might be a good thing. It was mutually beneficial, exactly the kind of deal agents loved.
After all, if the show was discontinued, Matteo's client, the director, would lose his job.
"I can't give you confirmation at the moment. I have to call my client. Give me an hour."
"Thank you," Collin said, slightly nodded his head before leaving Matteo's small office. He adjusted his tie and exited the room. He stayed on the same floor, waiting for Matteo's secretary to invite him back.
It didn't even take half an hour before Collin returned to Matteo's office.
"Jennifer will host the show for five episodes. The production team already had another person to host, but they decided to give Jennifer a slot in exchange for having Lawrence and Princess Chantal as guests on the show. Collin, I trust that you won't break your promise." Matteo's voice carried a mix of caution and curiosity, as if testing whether Collin could convince his two big clients.
"I have no reason to break the promise. Lawrence and Princess Chantal always need publicity, so they won't deny the invitation. Let's settle the contract once they agree." Collin gave a small nod, his lips curling into a satisfied smile.
"That's great to hear."
Now it was time for Collin to call his clients. Both of them agreed expectedly. They had no reason to say no. They just had to find the right schedule for guesting on The Tonight Show. It was free publicity.
With that, Jennifer got a part-time job on The Tonight Show.
"Wait, I got a new job?" Jennifer's surprised voice came through the line, filled with disbelief.
"Yeah, it's about hosting The Tonight Show."
The two were talking on the phone.
"The Tonight Show on the CBA Network, really?"
The woman was confused at first because she didn't understand why Collin set up the job for her. However, she had no problem with it. She trusted Collin and knew that he always wanted the best for her, a soft smile forming on her lips as gratitude welled up inside her.
"When you told me that I have talent in hosting, I thought you were just joking. But when you've secured a job for me in The Singing Voice, I realized that you're serious. Thank you for helping me."
"It's my job. You don't have to thank me. Just do your best. I know that this is a part-time job and you won't earn that much compared to your job in The Singing Voice, but this is just the beginning. I have a huge plan for you."
Once Jennifer had a stronger résumé in hosting shows, Collin could easily convince a production studio to hire her. Still, he knew how tough it was to find a hosting job for Jennifer. Even now, he was looking for one.